Episode 59: Discovering Passion and Purpose in Horse Racing with DeJuan Smith, Part 1

The Amplify Horse Racing Podcast

Join us for this two-part series with horseman DeJuan Smith! DeJuan brings a wealth of experience to the podcast, wearing many hats in the industry: showman for Taylor Made Sales, ringman for Keeneland, and, alongside his wife Madeline, a dedicated pinhooker. But his journey into horse racing is anything but ordinary. Born in White Plains, New York, and raised in Virginia, DeJuan's early life exposed him to various careers—from assistant contractor to certified forklift driver and even head chef at a restaurant. His career path took a turn when a chance meeting introduced him to horses and ignited a passion for racing. DeJuan jumped right into the industry, working in the barns, learning to ride, traveling, and eventually transitioning into sales. In part one of this two-part series, DeJuan shares how he quickly had to learn the ins and outs of the Thoroughbred sales, and working hands-on with horses, and how he was able to apply his people-management skills to his work with horses. His unique story about moving up in his career reflects the diverse paths that lead to success in the Thoroughbred world. Tune in to learn from DeJuan’s early learning experiences in the industry!